Free Level 3 Counselling Course. Study online, fully funded, at no cost to you. You study at your own pace, so you can fit learning around your existing commitments. The course covers key counselling theories, ethical practice, diversity awareness, active listening, and interpersonal skills. It prepares you for entry-level support roles or further counselling training. You'll need to be aged 19 or over, a UK or EU resident for three or more years, and have access to a laptop or PC with a stable internet connection. The course typically takes around 19 days to complete.
Who this course is for
This Level 3 Counselling course introduces you to key counselling skills, theoretical approaches, ethics, and diversity awareness. Delivered online, it prepares you for further training or entry-level support roles.
Entry requirements
Aged 19+
UK / EU resident for 3+ years
Eligible to work in the UK
Good standard of Maths and English
Access to a PC / Laptop with a stable internet connection
What you will learn
You'll explore core counselling theories and how to apply them in practice.
You'll develop active listening and empathetic communication skills.
You'll study ethical frameworks and how to apply them when working with clients.
You'll build awareness of diversity and how it shapes the counselling relationship.
You'll practise reflective personal development to understand your own responses.
You'll learn how to support individuals in a range of care and support settings.
How you will learn
The course is delivered entirely online. You work through materials at your own pace, guided by experienced tutors. Assessment is based on written assignments and reflective tasks completed online. You'll need a laptop or PC and a stable internet connection to access the course and submit your work.
What you will need to bring
You'll need a laptop or PC with a stable internet connection. Back to Work Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker. Use counselling skills to support vulnerable adults.
Care assistant. Apply listening and empathy skills in care settings.
Youth support worker. Work with young people facing personal challenges.
SEN teaching assistant. Support pupils with additional emotional or social needs.
Teaching assistant. Assist in educational settings, drawing on communication skills.
Adult educator. Facilitate learning for adults in community or care contexts.
Counselling volunteer or trainee. Begin supervised practice toward qualified status.
What you could study next
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. The next step if you want to work toward becoming a qualified counsellor. Most accredited counsellor training programmes require a Level 4 qualification.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Broadens your options across care and support roles.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training. Useful if you want to move into teaching or training adults in counselling or related subjects.
